Personal lubricants are over-the-counter products that are designed to reduce or completely eliminate friction through skin-to-skin contact or other medical equipment and products that come in contact with the skin or must be inserted into a part of the body. Personal lubricants come in a variety of compositions to suit varying needs, which including water-based lubricant, silicone-based lubricants, hybrid lubricants (water and silicone) and oil-based lubricants (International Society for Sexual Medicine).

What are lubricants used for?

For the vast majority of users, personal lubricants are used to make sex easier for individuals, but it can be adapted for myriad potential medical uses as well. These include:

Vaginal dryness: Postmenopausal women may experience a condition called vaginal atrophy, in which the vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated, which can be attributed to the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause. Personal lubricants are often the best choice for those who are looking to improve their sex lives.

Conception: There are a number of personal lubricants on the market that are made with pH levels and ingredients that are more conducive for sperm, embryos and oocytes to thrive, as opposed to other lubricants that may inhibit this process.

Ease of insertion: Lubricants can also be adapted to a variety of medical and everyday contexts, such as easing the insertion of rectal thermometers, enemas and tampons.

Why do lubricants require a prescription for reimbursement?

As a result of the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), as of January 1, 2011, OTC items containing an active medical ingredient require a prescription for reimbursement with an FSA, HSA or HRA. To reimburse the cost of OTC medicines and drugs under FSAs, HSAs and other consumer spending accounts, account holders must submit a prescription for each product.

However, not every OTC product falls under this distinction and thousands of products continue to remain eligible without a prescription including bandages, first aid supplies, most sunscreens, diagnostic products, products for infant care and so much more. For more information on a specific product, be sure to consult our Eligibility List.

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